Dual dispenser, supply unit, and method

ABSTRACT

A dual dispenser for dispensing both air freshener and soap. A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. A method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. A supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/498,648, filed Aug. 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,694,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/795,973,filed Mar. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,801, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/253,348, filed Sep. 24, 2002, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,729,506, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/544,011, filed Apr. 6, 2000, abandoned, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/019,252, filedFeb. 5, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,425, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/730,364, filed Oct. 15, 1996, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,799,826, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/319,292, filed Oct. 6, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No.5,595,324, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/024,448, filed Mar. 1, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,917.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entireties of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/498,648, filedAug. 3, 2006, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/795,973, filed Mar. 8,2004, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/253,348, filed Sep. 24, 2002,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/544,011, filed Apr. 6, 2000, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/019,252, filed Feb. 5, 1998, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/730,364, filed Oct. 14, 1996, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/319,292, filed Oct. 6, 1994, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/024,448, filed Mar. 1, 1993, are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part of thepresent specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to soap dispensers, air fresheners, andsupply units therefor and, in particular, to such dispensers used inwashrooms and similar settings.

2. Description of the Related Art

Air freshener dispensers are often used in public washrooms to controlodor in the enclosed area. Although air fresheners are sometimesreferred to as scented or unscented, in reality all air fresheners giveoff a fragrance, and it is simply a matter of degree as to whether theair freshener is perceived as having its own scent or merely masking theundesirable odor in the washroom.

Air fresheners may be dispensed continuously, at regular intervals, orin response to a particular event, such as when the light in thewashroom is turned on. The air freshener is typically dispensed from asource of fragrance through evaporation or atomization. The airfreshener dispenser is usually located high on the washroom wall wheresuitable air flow exists to accelerate the dispensing of the airfreshener. This location has the further advantage of preventingatomized air freshener from being sprayed directly on people using thewashroom. Unfortunately, when the air freshener is dispensed in highplaces it tends to rise to the ceiling where it can be suctioned fromthe washroom via the ventilation system before it can control odor.

Due to its awkward location, maintenance personnel are sometimes unableto detect when the air freshener needs to be replaced. Furthermore, theplacement of air freshener high on the wall requires maintenancepersonnel to stand on a ladder or platform in order to service it. Whilesome air freshener dispensers have a beeping noise or blinking light toindicate that the supply of air freshener needs to be replaced, evenwith these replacement reminders, air freshener dispensers arefrequently not maintained on a regular basis due to the inconvenience ofmaintaining the air freshener.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant's invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art byproviding a dual dispenser for soap and air freshener. For hygienic andcost reasons, soap dispensers, rather than individual bars of soap, arecommonly used in public washrooms. They are usually located near thewash basin within easy reach of a person standing in front of a washbasin. Typically, the soap dispenser will include an actuating plate,which is pushed or pulled to dispense a measured quantity of soap intothe person's hand.

Numerous advantages are realized through use of the dual dispenser andpracticing the methods of the present invention. Significantly,Applicant's invention includes a method of facilitating-the replacementof a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced,including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing asupply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of airfreshener. This substantially increases the likelihood that odor in thewashroom or other environment will be controlled. For example, healthregulations require that numerous establishments, such a restaurants andhospitals maintain a supply of soap in their washrooms to reduce thespread of disease. Accordingly, by joining the supply of soap to thesupply of air freshener, the air freshener will be changed each time thesupply of soap is changed.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of reducing the timenecessary to maintain a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener,including the steps of providing a supply of soap, providing a supply ofair freshener and inserting the supply of soap and the supply of airfreshener into a single dispenser.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supplyunit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshenerand connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in amanner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser,the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well.Advantageously, the method may also comprise connecting a power sourceto one of the supply of soap or the supply of air freshener in such amanner that when one of the supply of soap or the supply of airfreshener is removed from a dispenser, the source of power is removedfrom the dispenser.

Importantly, yet another aspect of the present invention is a method ofefficiently utilizing air freshener, including providing a receptacle,inserting a supply of soap into the receptacle and connecting a supplyof air freshener to the receptacle in an amount calculated to providesufficient air freshener to last as long as the supply of soap. Finally,yet another aspect of the invention is a method of effectively utilizingair freshener including a supply of soap, providing a supply of airfreshener, connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshenerto an actuator, and dispensing a portion of the supply of soap and aportion of the supply of air freshener when the actuator is actuated.

Another aspect of the present invention is a supply unit for the dualdispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within thereceptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured withinthe receptacle. Advantageously, the supply unit further includes asource of power mounted to the receptacle.

Finally, yet another aspect of the invention is a dual dispenserincluding means for dispensing the soap, means for actuating thedispensement of soap, means for accelerating the dispensement of airfreshener and means for actuating the means for accelerating thedispensement of air freshener.

As will be understood by those of skill in the art from the nature ofthe invention and the specification, “source of fragrance” used in thisapplication means a supply of air freshener. That is, the source offragrance which is included in the supply unit and dispensed by thedispenser of the present invention will be understood as meaning asource of air freshener. As is known by those of skill in the art, thechemical composition of an air freshener will vary depending uponvarious factors, including the nature of the fragrance utilized by theair freshener. Specifically, while air fresheners typically comprise10-25% fragrance, they may utilize as little as 3% fragrance, if thefragrance is particularly strong. Furthermore, they may utilize a higherpercentage of fragrance if the fragrance is particularly mild. Sincefragrance is typically relatively expensive, the air freshener willusually utilize a “carrier,” such as an odorless mineral spirit todilute the fragrance and to aid in evaporation. The nature of fragranceused in the air freshener will depend upon numerous factors includingthe nature of the odors expected to be controlled, and numerous industryreference materials are available which describe the nature of fragrancedesirable to control certain odors.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to an improved embodiment, which is intended toillustrate and’ not to limit the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a dualsoap/air freshener dispenser of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of the assembled dualsoap/air freshener dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram used in operating the dual soap/airfreshener dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dual soap/airfreshener dispenser of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base portion of the dual soap/airfreshener dispenser of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a lower, front perspective view of the base portion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a removable supply unit containing soapand air freshener for use in the dispenser of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dual soap/air freshenerdispenser of FIG. 4 showing the motion of an actuating plate in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 1, a dual soap/air freshener dispenser accordingto the present invention is indicated in an exploded view at 10. Thedual dispenser 10 comprises a mounting plate 12 for attaching to a wall,a supply unit 13 containing containers for soap and air freshener, and acover 30. The mounting plate 12 includes a rear vertical wall plate 15having both a lower shelf or support 14 and an upper support 16extending forwardly therefrom. The supply unit 13 includes a generallyrectilinear protective box 18 enclosing a flexible bag 20 of liquidsoap. A flexible dispensing tube 22 is opened to the interior of the bag20 and extends downward from a lower portion of the bag. The dispensingtube 22 extends through an opening 24 in the enclosing box 18 and has aflanked spout 26. For shipping purposes, the box 18 is originally fullyenclosed, but a section (not shown) defined by a perforation is removedto define the opening 24 in the box 18. The dispensing tube 22 can bepulled out from a folded condition within the box 18 prior to placingthe box in the mounting plate 12. When installed, the box 18 issupported by the shelf 14 below the upper support 16. The dispensingtube 22 depends downwardly so that the flanked spout 26 is insertedbetween clips 28 at a lower portion of the mounting plate 12.

The cover 30 for the dual dispenser 10 includes an actuating plate 32pivotably attached at a lower front portion. More particularly and withreference to FIG. 2, the actuating plate 32 includes a pair of bracketsor ears 34 having throughholes for mounting on a rod or pair of rodstubs 36 formed on the inner surface of the cover 30 and generallyaligned transversely across the cover. A squeeze bar 38 is attached tothe actuating plate 32 between the ears 34. The squeeze bar 38 includesa rear slanted surface 40 which impinges against the downwardlydepending dispensing tube 22, forcing it against a front surface 42 ofthe mounting plate 12 when the actuating plate 22 is depressed inwardfrom the front of the cover 30. This motion can be seen in phantom inFIG. 2.

The supply unit 13 includes a container 44 mounted in an upper portion.The container 44 ‘holds a supply of air freshener, such as gel 46. Abattery 48 is mounted within a rear recess 50 of the supply unit 13. Thebattery is firmly attached at a central location within the recess 50 toprovide small gaps on either end of the battery. A pair of electricalcontacts 52, 54 provided on the front of the wall plate 15 arepositioned and sized to extend within the gaps and make contact with theelectrical terminals of the battery 48. The electrical contact betweenthe battery 48 and the terminals 52, 54 is accomplished when the supplyunit 13 is mounted on the mounting plate 12. A removable lid or top (notshown) is provided on the container 44 and is removed prior toinstalling the supply unit 13 on the mounting plate 12 to expose thefragrant gel 46.

The contact 52 is in electrical connection with a conducting strip 56extending downward along the wall plate 15. The strip 56 continuesforwardly over the lower support 14 and to a front surface 42 to joinwith a fastener 58. The fastener 58 connects the conducting strip 56with a switchblade or strip 60 arranged transversely across the frontsurface 42. The switchblade 60 is positioned to the rear of the flexibledispensing tube 22 when the supply unit 13 is installed. When theactuating plate 32 is depressed from the front, the squeeze bar 38causes the dispensing tube 22 to press against the switchblade 60 andforce it into electrical contact with a terminal 62. The terminal 62 isin electrical connection with a conducting strip 64 which extends upwardto a PC board 68 having a solid-state timer 70. A conductor 72 alsoelectrically connects the contact 54 with the PC board 68. To completethe circuit, a conductor 74 electrically connects the PC board 68 withthe contact 52.

Conductors 76 and 78 extend forward from the PC board 68 to a small,commercially available electric motor 80 positioned in the upper support16 and above the supply unit 13 when installed. The motor 80 drives asmall fan 82 directly above the container 44. When the fan 82 rotates,it circulates air over the container 44 and gel 46 to disperse airfreshener through side openings 84 and upper slits 86 in the cover 30.

Now with reference to the circuit diagram of FIG. 3, the switchblade 60provides closure to a timer circuit. The timer 70 conducts for apredetermined period of time, such as, for example, 15-20 seconds. Thetimer completes a circuit for this predetermined period of time throughthe battery 48 and motor 80. The timer 70 can also be a chip which isprogrammed to periodically operate the motor 80 and fan 82 for a givenperiod of time. Furthermore, the motor 80 and fan 82 could be runcontinuously for use in areas with high odor problems. The dualdispenser 10 may also include an LED indicator which is turned on whenthe motor 80 is running. In place of the motor 80 and fan 82, aheat-activated material could be used to melt a plastic bar which isimpregnated with air freshener. This would be accomplished by poweringthe unit with a battery or through a direct electrical wall connection.The dispenser 10 can also be used with a light-sensitive eye to turn themotor 80 and fan 82 on when the lights in the room are on.

In place of positioning the air freshener container 44 in the top of thesupply unit 13, a separate plastic shroud could be employed which fitsover the top of a standard box 18, with the shroud housing both thebattery 48 and source of fragrance. A dispenser with the fragrancesource could also be Used with a reservoir type of soap dispenser,rather than a separate soap box.

Description of Another Dual Soap/Air Freshener Dispenser Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of a dual soap/airfreshener dispenser includes a front cover 100. The cover 100 comprisesa generally oval-shaped outer side wall 102 and a front wall 104. Arecess 106 in the front wall 104 supports an elongated vertical window108. A movable actuator plate 110 is pivotably mounted to the cover 100,as will be explained more fully below with respect to FIG. 8. The cover100 also includes a series of horizontally aligned ducts 112 providingcommunication between the interior and the exterior of the cover.

Now with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 100 is adapted to bemounted over a base 114. The base 114 generally comprises a rearvertical wall plate 116 having a hollow lower support 118 and an uppersupport 120 extending forwardly therefrom. The wall plate 116 includes aseries of mounting holes 122 for attaching the base 114 to a wall in awashroom or other such location. The base 114 includes a pair of opposedside walls 124 a, 124 b which, together with the lower support 118 andupper support 120, define a supply unit housing. The supply unit 150will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

As mentioned, the cover 100 is adapted to be mounted to the base 114. Inthis regard, a pair of cover pivot stubs 126 are provided on either sideof the lower support 118. These pivot stubs 126 are adapted to extendinto cylindrical cavities (not shown) on the lower interior sides of theouter wall 102 of the cover 100. A cover latch 128 (FIG. 6) mates with acomplementary latch (not shown) provided on the upper interior of theouter wall 102 of the cover 100. Thus, the cover 100 can be released andpivoted downward, away from the base 114 about the pivot stubs 126.

The lower support 118 comprises a generally box-shaped member extendingforward from the wall plate 116 and defining at its forward distal endan upper ledge 130, an abutment wall 134, and a lower ledge 132. Theabutment wall 134 is recessed rearwardly from both the upper and lowerledges 130, 132. A generally cylindrical relief 136 is formed in theupper ledge 130. Likewise, a generally cylindrical brace relief 138 isformed in the lower ledge 132. The brace relief 138 includes a circulargroove therein, which purpose will be described below. A switch 140 ispositioned on the abutment wall 134 and includes an actuator button orother such switching device facing forward thereon.

The upper support 120 extends forward from the wall plate 116 and overthe supply unit housing defined between the side walls 124 a, 124 b. Acentrifugal fan 142 having fan blades 144 is rotatably positioned withinan aperture in the upper support 120. A motor 146 mounted withinbrackets 148 in the upper support 120 is coupled to rotate thecentrifugal fan 142.

Now with reference to FIG. 7, a preferred supply unit 150 is shown. Thesupply unit 150 includes containers for both soap and an aromatic airfreshener. The supply unit 150 is generally defined by an outerprotective box 152 enclosing a flexible container or bag 154 therein.The box 152 may be cardboard or other suitable material. A flexibledispensing tube 156 is attached to a lower front corner of the container154. The tube 156 terminates in an outlet 158 and includes a lowercollar or flange 160. A valve (not shown) is positioned within theoutlet to prevent the release of fluid from the tube 156 unlesssufficient pressure is exerted. For storage and shipping, the dispensingtube 156 is folded upward against a front wall of the container 154 andwithin the box 152. A section (not shown) of the box 152 is detached ata perforated score line to form an elongated aperture 162. Once theaperture 162 is formed, the dispensing tube 156 can be retracted frominside the box 152 and assume a downwardly depending orientation, asshown in FIG. 7.

The supply unit 150 also houses a air freshener container 163 above theflexible container 154. The air freshener container 163 includes a lid164 made of foil or other such disposable material. The lid 164 isadapted to be easily removed from the container 163 prior to use. Thelid 164 extends over a lip portion 166 on the container 163. The battery167 is mounted centrally on a rear ledge 167 of the box 152. An upperplate 164 covers the container 163 and battery 167. The lip portion 166of the container 163 may rest directly on top of the plate 168 or maylie flush with the plate in a stepped recess (not shown). Alternatively,the container 163 may be securely attached to the upper plate 168. Thecontainer 163 itself may be approximately 2.7 inches in diameter. Therearwardly extending portion of the upper plate 168 covers and protectsthe battery 167. The plate 168 includes a series of ribs 169 whichprovide strength and prevent warping during the manufacturing process.

With reference to FIG. 8, the assembled dual soap/air freshenerdispenser 170 is illustrated. The cover 100 is shown mounted over thebase 114. The box 152 containing the containers 154 and 163 ispositioned within the housing defined by the base 114. In this position,the dispensing tube 156 depends downwardly and is located within therelief 136 and brace relief 138 previously described. In this manner,the flange 160 fits within the groove formed in the brace relief 138 tosecure the end of the dispensing tube 156 against vertical movement. Theoutlet 158 extends downwardly from the bottom of the dual dispenser 170.

The action of the actuator plate 110 is illustrated in FIG. 8. Moreparticularly, the actuator plate includes a pair of upwardly extendingside brackets 172 having apertures therein. The apertures fit over apair of pivot rods 174 formed in the inner side of the side walls 102 ofthe cover 100. The actuator plate 110 includes a step structure 176which contacts a portion of the front wall 104 of the cover 100. Theactuator plate further includes a rear squeeze plate 178 facing theabutment wall 134 of the lower support 118. The dispensing tube 156 isthus positioned between the abutment wall 134 and the squeeze plate 178.When the actuator plate 110 pivots rearwardly, as shown by arrow 179, bydepressing from the front of the dual dispenser 170, the squeeze plate178 comes into contact with the dispensing tube 156. The squeeze plate178 forms an acute angle with the forward lower and of the actuatorplate, causing the squeeze plate to first come-Into contact with thedispensing tube at an upper portion. As the actuator plate 110 is pushedinward, the squeeze plate 178 gradually comes into greater surfacecontact with the dispensing tube 156, causing a specified volume ofliquid soap therein to be expelled through the outlet 158. The valve inthe outlet 158 prevents dripping of the relatively viscous liquid soaptherein until overcome by the pressure of this dispensing action. Uponrelease of the actuator plate, gravity causes the liquid soap within thecontainer 154 to fill the dispensing tube 156 once again. The actuatorplate 110 will also be gradually pushed outward to its initial position.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, full depression of the actuator plate 110also causes the squeeze plate 178 to come into contact with the airfreshener dispensing switch 140. Actuation of the air freshenerdispensing switch 140 turns the motor 146 on for a predetermined periodof time. This is accomplished through a circuit similar to that shown inFIG. 3. More particularly, the supply unit housing includes a pair ofbattery terminals 180 a, 180 b extending forward from a PC board 181 andpositioned to contact the terminals of the battery 167 mounted in thesupply unit 150. Thus, when the supply unit 150 is inserted into thehousing defined between the side walls 124 a, 124 b, the battery 167forms an electrical connection between the terminals 180 a, 180 b. Apair of conduits 182 a, 182 b extends downward from the upper support120 to the lower support 118. These conduits 182 a, 182 b containelectrical conductors between the air freshener dispensing switch 140and the PC board 181 within the upper support 120.

As discussed above, an important aspect of the invention is thecoordination of the volume of the supply of soap and the supply of airfreshener to ensure that the supply of air freshener is sufficient tocontinue freshening the air the entire period soap is available in thesupply unit. Furthermore, in addition to ensuring that there is asufficient supply of air freshener to control odor until the supply ofsoap is exhausted, the present invention permits the supply of airfreshener to be limited to an amount just sufficient to continuefreshening the air until the supply of soap is exhausted. In a firstembodiment, for example, the total volume of the supply of soap is 700milliliters and the total volume of the supply of air freshener is 26.2.These amounts were determined by dividing a standard volume for a supplyof soap, 700 milliliters, by the desired volume of soap dispensed eachtime the actuator bar is depressed, 1 milliliter, to determine thenumber of times the actuator bar will be depressed before the supply ofsoap is exhausted. The desired volume of air freshener dispensed eachtime the actuator bar is depressed, 0.026 milliliters, is thenmultiplied by the number of times the actuator bar will be depressed toexhaust the supply of soap, then a reasonable safety margin, to accountfor evaporation when the fan is not activated, is added to determine thedesired volume of air freshener, in this case approximately 26.2milliliters.

In an alternative embodiment for a larger volume supply unit, the totalvolume of, the supply of soap is 900 milliliters and the total volume ofthe supply of air freshener is 33.6. As before, the number of times theactuator bar is depressed before the supply of soap is exhausted isfound by dividing the volume of soap by the volume of soap dispensedeach time the actuator bar is depressed. The desired volume of airfreshener dispensed each time the actuator bar is depressed is thenmultiplied by the number of times the actuator bar will be depressed toexhaust the supply of soap. A reasonable safety margin is added todetermine the desired volume of air freshener, in this caseapproximately 33.6 milliliters. As will be appreciated by those of skillin the art, these numbers will vary significantly, depending uponvarious factors such as the carrier utilized by the air freshener, theexpected environmental conditions, etc. Indeed, it may be desirable toempirically determine the particular volumes of soap and fragrancerequired.

In either size dispenser discussed above, the desired volume of airfreshener dispensed each time the actuator bar is depressed, is used todetermine the length of time the fan must run to dispense the desiredvolume of air freshener. In either embodiment, it has been determined,given the volume of air flow from the fan, that the fan should ideallyrun 45 seconds each time the actuator bar is depressed. Of course, othertime periods for different fans may be utilized. A preferred fan for usein the present invention includes a blower wheel with a 2″ diameter anda height of ⅝″. Additionally, the motor rotates the blower wheel at2200-2600 rpm. One example of such a fan, is model NISSEI DENKI M663-GFdistributed by Douglas International of Geneva, Ill.

Another beneficial aspect of the present invention is the optimumpositioning of the source of fragrance in a washroom or other room.Prior fragrance dispensers were often located high in the room nearceiling fans which diluted their effect. Indeed, aerosol fragrancedispensers are placed high up as a safety precaution to prevent directfacial exposure to the aerosol mist. The present dispenser, on the otherhand, is situated low on the wall within easy reach of people. Becausethe fragrance is dispensed so close to the user, less fragrance isneeded to accomplish the same effect. Importantly, the fragrance isdispensed “on demand” rather than continuously or at regular intervals.This also increases the efficiency of the system by minimizing thequantity of fragrance needed.

Another cost benefit associated with the dual, soap/fragrance dispenserdescribed herein is the complete elimination of a separatefragrance-dispenser. Although not often required by law, fragrancedispensers in public washrooms are desirable and nearly universallyprovided in some form or another. The dual soap/fragrance dispensercosts somewhere between the cost of a typical soap dispenser alone andthe cost of a soap dispenser and a fragrance dispenser combined. Inconjunction with the automatic fragrance replacement feature of thepresent dispenser, this cost savings is highly attractive.

Although described and illustrated in terms of an air freshenercontainer 163, a source of air freshener may be in other forms. Forexample, the air freshener may be in the form of a solid stick or barwhich emits a fragrance upon being heated. An electrode or heatingelement may replace the motor 180 and fan 182 in this configuration. Ina different configuration, the motor and fan may be eliminatedaltogether, and depression of the switch 140 may cause a ventilationdoor in the cover 100 to open, with the air freshener being dispersednaturally without forced air. In this regard, the cover 100 of thedisclosed embodiment forms an extremely effective shroud over the airfreshener container 163 to prevent air flow which would otherwise resultin the premature evaporation of the air freshener therein. As mentionedpreviously, the amount of air freshener within the container 163 iscarefully measured to last as long as the soap within the container 154lasts. The longevity of the air freshener within the container 163 isalso dependent on the amount of time for which the fan 182 is turned oneach time someone depresses the actuating plate 110. In a furtherconfiguration, an air freshener source in the form of a pump dispensermay be substituted for the air freshener container 163. In thisembodiment, depressing the actuation plate 110 causes either a manual orelectrically actuated lever to depress the pump of the air freshenerdispenser.

The preferred form of the air freshener in the container 163 isgenerally described as an odorless carrier with a particularconcentration of fragrance therein. Typical air fresheners of thiscomposition utilize a concentration of fragrance of between 5-50%, andsometimes as low as 3%. Most brands of air freshener of this type arebetween 10-25% concentration of fragrance, however. In the preferredembodiment, the air freshener comprises 30% fragrance and 70% odorlessmineral spirit carrier, such as manufactured under the trade name ISOPARK or G, manufactured by Exxon Corp. Although many types of fragrance arepossible, the preferred fragrance is a mild high lift fragrancemanufactured by International Fragrances, Inc. of Houston, Tex., and maybe fragrance No. FG 9798. This higher percentage of fragrance thannormal is desirable due to the relatively mild nature of the fragrance.

To prevent the relatively volatile carrier in air freshener fromspilling from the container 163 when the foil lid 164 is removed, apolyester matrix is provided therein, and the fragrance and carriersaturated within the matrix.

Although it is not necessary to use any particular form of soap with thebroadest aspects of the present invention, it is preferable that thesoap be pourable. Desirably, the supply of soap utilized is a liquidhand soap. In particular, it is desirable to utilize a nonionic oranionic phenol. Although such soaps are sometimes scented, they have amuch lower concentration of fragrance than would an air freshener.Specifically, a hand soap would generally have a maximum of 0.5%fragrance for various reasons, including the risk of allergic reactionby users. More typically, the soap would have no more than aconcentration of 0.25% fragrance and, the preferred supply of soap hasonly 0.15% fragrance. Advantageously, by packaging soap and airfreshener together in a single supply unit, one can ensure thecompatibility of any fragrance contained in the soap.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferredembodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art are also within the scope of this invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined by theclaims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual dispenser for soap and fragrance,comprising: a soap container containing a supply of soap; a spout thatpermits the supply of soap to be dispensed from the soap container; ashroud unit that is separate from the soap container, the shroud unitfits over top of and is supported by the soap container, the shroud unitcomprising a source of fragrance that is separate from the supply ofsoap.
 2. The dual dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a dispensingtube connected to the spout.
 3. The dual dispenser of claim 2, furthercomprising a valve that normally prevents release of soap from the tubeand opens in response to a sufficient pressure exerted to dispense thesoap.
 4. The dual dispenser of claim 3, further comprising an actuatorfor dispensing the soap through the spout.
 5. The dual dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the source of fragrance comprises between 10-25%concentration of fragrance.
 6. The dual dispenser of claim 5, whereinthe source of fragrance further comprises a carrier that aids inevaporation of the fragrance.
 7. The dual dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe source of fragrance comprises a plastic material impregnated withfragrance.
 8. The dual dispenser of claim 1, further comprising amounting plate for attaching the dispenser to a wall.
 9. A dualdispenser for soap and fragrance, comprising: a soap containercontaining a supply of soap; a spout that permits the supply of soap tobe dispensed from the soap container; an actuator for dispensing thesoap through the spout; and a shroud unit that is separate from the soapcontainer, wherein the shroud unit is supported by the soap container,the shroud unit comprising a source of fragrance that is separate fromthe supply of soap.
 10. The dual dispenser of claim 9, furthercomprising a dispensing tube connected to the spout.
 11. The dualdispenser of claim 10, further comprising a valve that normally preventsrelease of soap from the tube and opens in response to a sufficientpressure exerted to dispense the soap.
 12. The dual dispenser of claim9, wherein the source of fragrance comprises between 10-25%concentration of fragrance.
 13. The dual dispenser of claim 12, whereinthe source of fragrance further comprises a carrier that aids inevaporation of the fragrance.
 14. The dual dispenser of claim 9, whereinthe source of fragrance comprises a plastic material impregnated withfragrance.
 15. The dual dispenser of claim 9, further comprising amounting plate for attaching the dispenser to a wall.